Officials are close to finalizing the design for the RM 1431 roadway improvement project and are preparing to begin construction planning and the right-of-way acquisition process, which will take place throughout 2024.

About the project

Crews will widen a 2.3-mile portion of RM 1431, or Whitestone Boulevard, into a six-lane major arterial roadway, stretching from New Hope Drive to Bagdad Road.

According to city documents, the scope of the project also includes:

• Intersection improvements
• New curb and gutter
• Raised medians
• Street lighting
• Traffic signal modifications

While the project will require right-of-way acquisition, Capital Projects Manager Chris Brickey said nearby businesses will not be impacted, and no one should have to relocate. He said the widening would mainly cut into sidewalks and parking spaces.

The cost of the design and right-of-way acquisition—roughly $8 million—will be shared between the city of Cedar Park and Williamson County. However, construction is not yet funded, Brickey said.

What to expect

Planning and right-of-way acquisition for the project are expected to reach completion in 2025, according to the documents. Brickey said the timeline for construction is still undetermined.

However, when construction begins, lane closures may not be necessary. Brickey said there should be enough room to keep two lanes open in each direction while construction is underway.

The project is still on track to be completed on time, and once the road is widened, drivers can expect a better flow of traffic, Brickey said.